Keith Walker Collins

Photo by Debbie Rose

(December 3, 1987 - June 4, 2014)

The Lusk Herald

June 11, 2014

Army Specialist Keith Walker Collins, age 26, passed away June 4th 2014 at Fort Drum Army Base in New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sat., June 14, 2014 at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Lusk, Wyoming. A memorial with his Military family and unit will be held June 23rd at Fort Drum, New York.

Keith was born December 3, 1987 in Sacramento, California, and grew up in Murphys, California. He graduated from Bret Harte High School in Angels Camp, California and was an active member of the FFA. Keith attended Feather River College, majoring in Agriculture. He moved to Lusk after college and worked there until he joined the military in March of 2011.

Keith volunteered for deployment to Afghanistan last year to join his platoon, specializing in water purification. He was an asset to the military, and was well known and respected by his superiors and fellow soldiers according to his Battalion Commander and Lieutenant Colonel. He was a part of their Military Family.

Keith enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and friends and spent endless hours enjoying his passion for books. He always had a smile on his face and a hug for friends and family. Keith was engaged to be married this month to Ashley Bowers of Red Lion, Pennsylvania.

Keith was preceded in death by his grandparents: Aileen and David Knowles, Raymond G. Stroh, and Maxine Collins.

Keith is survived by his parents, Steve and Sue Collins of Lusk, his beloved "Grandma Kitty" Stroh, grandfather Dale Collins, his fiancé Ashley Bowers, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.org/donate, in Keith's memory. Keith touched many and his memory will forever be carried in our hearts.